La Befana

In Italy the Christmas season ends on the Epiphany January 6th, unlike in America when most Christmas trees are on the curb ready for recycling January 1st.  The Epiphany is celebrated in Italy with the passing of the Befana an old woman or witch with a crooked nose and warts that rides around on her broomstick delivering gifts to all of the children of Italy.  She comes on the 5th of January quite like Santa Claus does on December 24th.  She leaves candy and fruit for the good children and lumps of coal, garlic and onion for the bad ones, however most children recieve a little of everything as it is difficult to be good ALL of the time. 

Traditionally she wears tattered clothing and a head scarf and is covered in soot since she comes down the chimney to deliver her gifts.  Children leave cookies and wine for her and usually like to leave crumbs on the floor to be sure she has come since she is famous for being an excellent housekeeper.  She usually comes ringing a bell to warn the children to get into bed as she doesn't like being seen.

There are a few different stories of origins of the Befana but my favorite one goes a bit like this:  The Befana was known in all of the land for being the very best housekeeper with an immaculate home.  When the three wise men were on their journey to see the newborn Jesus in Bethlehem, they stayed one night at the Befana's home and in the morning asked her to come with them.  She declined saying she had too much cleaning to do.  Later on she had a change of heart and set out with a bag full of gifts for the baby Jesus, but in all of her wanderings she never found him and so she wanders to this day in search of him leaving gifts in every home where there is a child. 

In our town children can see the Befana on January 6th in the town hall where she hands out candies and toys for all of the school children.  This year was my daughter's first year to see her as it is her first year in preschool.  She did quite well and wasn't afraid.  Her father was terrified of the Befana well into his early tween years.  My daughter recieved not only candy but a piggy bank to encourage her to save her pennies and a savings account at the local post office. 

She was quite happy and we went for cappuccinos afterwards with her best friend.